What is Banaba Leaf?

Banaba leaf, also known as Lagerstroemia or Queen’s Crape-Myrtle, is a plant traditionally used in India and the Philippines to treat high blood sugar and diabetes. However, do banaba leaves work? Several studies have shown that regular daily dosing of this leaf extract can lead to significantly lowered glucose levels, as well as promoting a healthy metabolism and weight loss through glucose regulation.

Benefits of Banaba Leaf

The active ingredient in these powerful leaves is corosolic acid. This chemical has many benefits, so these leaves are consequently used for a multitude of ailments.

Corosolic acid is a naturally occurring compound, in banaba leaves, that has been reported to give the body a powerfulantioxidant boost, making it potentially useful in the prevention of cervical cancer.

Banaba leaf extract is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory. It aids in the treatment of urinary tract infections, liver diseases, and viral diseases.

Banaba is an anti-diabetic, thanks to corosolic acid’s ability to significantly lower glucose levels and modulate insulin. This glucose and insulin regulation can also help with weight loss efforts.

The corosolic acid and ellagitannins in banaba also help treat metabolic syndrome, promote heart health, regulate blood pressure, control cholesterol, and prevent strokes.

A tea made from these dried leaves can be useful in preventing kidney stones and intestinal parasites.

Uses

Banaba leaf is widely available in either water- or menthol-based extracts and is usually sold in capsule or tablet form. It is also consumed in a caffeine-free, detoxifying tea, which is widely popular for urinary cleanses.

Side Effects

While side effects associated with using banaba leaves are quite rare, it is not recommended to consume during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you are currently on medications or treatment for diabetes, medicinal applications of these leaves can cause excessively lowered blood sugar, leading to hypoglycemia.

It is recommended to stop consuming this powerful herb at least two weeks before surgery.

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, and publisher who earned his English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Urbana (USA). He is the co-founder of a literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and calls the most beautiful places in the world his office. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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